House fire on Cleveland's East Side billows smoke seen for miles

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Smoke from a fire in an apparently abandoned house in the 4700 block of Cedar Avenue, near East 55th Street, could be seen for miles Tuesday afternoon.

The fire, at a boarded-up home at 4802 Cedar Ave., was nearly out by 3:10 p.m. Tuesday as 11 fire companies responded, including two rescue squads, an air supply unit, and the fire investigation unit, according to Larry Gray, spokesman for the Cleveland Fire Department.

Smoke billowed out of the attic of the home and could be seen some 35 city blocks away.

The fire was first reported around 2:45 p.m.

No one was injured.

The three-story house was said to be used by homeless people, but no one was seen near the home at the time of the fire.

The estimated cost of damages is $100,000.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The dramatic flames and smoke also drew several Cleveland Browns players over to watch the firefighters work. Team members were nearby to help build a playground for the United Way's "Day of Caring."

The players were helping build the playground at Phillis Wheatley Association, a United Way community partner.

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